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The History of Hilton Head
The history of Hilton Head is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal tenantry by Native Americans. On the other hand, the town of Hilton Head Island was incorporated to a certain extent recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head involves sizeable slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a one of a kind culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest installment in the history of Hilton Head involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the rigorous fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Substantiation of this seasonal occupation remains preserved to this day in the Sea Pines community. Within the community’s forest preserve is a mount made up of oyster shells, clay, and animal bones which has been dated back to 1450 B.C. It is referred to as the Indian Shell Ring.
The next recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island presents itself in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under debate. In the 1520s, both France and Spain settled the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took command of the Port Royal Sound region, and Englishman William Hilton is accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head as it is recognized today. He was aiming to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were very impressed with the air, the water, the excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands noticed by his crew were responsible for the second part of Hilton Head Island’s name.
Although the island was colonized in 1698 by the English, by 1766 fairly few families lived on the island even after so much time had passed. The residents of Hilton Head supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to recurrent raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a period of relative peace and well-being in the history of Hilton Head. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this wealth, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were granted a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a specific assignment to complete each day, after which they were free to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the project, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the unique Gullah language and traditions which took form over the years, the Gullah people were and are an important part of the history of Hilton Head Island. They became free at the finish of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head began in the second half of the twentieth century. Electricity was introduced in 1951 and Charles Fraser, in many ways the father of modern Hilton Head Island, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a wonderful deal of respect for nature and created recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came afterwards, built around both nature and the amenities he created. This development model has been followed by every community created since, taking the history of Hilton Head Island steadily into the modern era as the exquisite resort destination we know today.
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Lawton Villas: SEA PINES Lawton Villas is a private beach community situated in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the largest residential and resort... More On This Community
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Cedar Woods: Cedar Woods This secluded south-end Hilton Head Island neighborhood is situated just off Point Comfort Road and boasts homes of numerous architectural styles. Close proximity to the Cross Island Parkway allows easy access to the island's north end. Cedar Woods h... More On This Community
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Cotton Hope: Cotton Hope No Data Available on Cotton Hope Villas.... More On This Community
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Hilton Head Beach Villas: FOREST BEACH Hilton Head Beach Villas is a private community located in the South Forest Beach neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC. Much like its sister community to the north, South Forest Beach is just a short walk to the ocean and just minutes away from the... More On This Community
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Oak Ridge: DAUFUSKIE ISLAND Oak Ridge Plantation consists of 39 oceanfront and 2nd row homesites, plus a number of the biggest estate size properties that are less than a 3 minute walk to the beach.
Oak Ridge Plantation on Daufuskie has the finest beach in the Southeast. Per... More On This Community
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The Anchorage: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE The Anchorage Villas are located in upscale Shelter Cove Harbour. Shelter Cove is the marina section of Palmetto Dunes Resort. Each Anchorage Villa has a lagoon view. There is a pool on site. The villas are elevated. Current available properties are ... More On This Community
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Palmetto Hall: PALMETTO HALL This 750-acre community lies just east of Hilton Head Plantation and has become known as one of the island's more intimate, neighborly environments. Its 527 homes, averaging in price in the mid $600,000s, follow the plantation's architectural review ... More On This Community
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Squiresgate: Squiresgate Squire's Gate community of 49 homes and is located on the island's north end just off Squire Pope Road. The community is known by some as the island's finest-kept secret and masterfulest value.... More On This Community
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Graham Lane Plantation: Graham Lane Plantation Graham Lane Plantation is an exclusive Hilton Head Island community located between Old House Creek and Jarvis Creek. This peaceful, serene setting offers 24 generous-sized home sites with wooded, marsh, and creek views. Ownership includes rights to ... More On This Community
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Lighthouse Lane: SEA PINES Lighthouse Lane Villas is a private community situated in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the largest residential and res... More On This Community
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